REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Adopt by Resolution Volume I and Sunnyvale’s Annex Within Volume II of the 2023 Santa Clara County Multijurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
Report
BACKGROUND:
In 2023, the City of Sunnyvale, alongside Santa Clara County and other local jurisdictions, completed the update to the Santa Clara County Multijurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJHMP). This plan serves as a comprehensive strategy for reducing risks from natural hazards and is essential for maintaining eligibility for federal hazard mitigation funding.
The 2023 update significantly enhances the previous plan, emphasizing the impacts of climate change, the integration of updated hazard data, and refined mitigation strategies tailored to each participating jurisdiction. Sunnyvale's annex within Volume II of the MJHMP explicitly addresses the city's unique risks and mitigation priorities, such as earthquakes, flooding, and extreme heat, while also considering the city's growth and development trends.
The City of Sunnyvale's Local Planning Team actively participated in this update, ensuring that the annex accurately reflects the community's current needs and vulnerabilities. The annex was developed in coordination with various stakeholders, including neighboring jurisdictions, non-profits, and local businesses, ensuring a comprehensive and inclusive approach to hazard mitigation.
EXISTING POLICY:
The City of Sunnyvale is required by local ordinance (Sunnyvale Municipal Code section 2.16.050) and state law (Government Code section 8568) to maintain an updated emergency plan. While specific requirements for adopting a FEMA-approved hazard mitigation plan are not detailed in City Policy, doing so is critical for accessing federal mitigation funding.
FEMA and Cal OES have reviewed and approved the 2023 Santa Clara County MJHMP, including Sunnyvale’s annex. It meets the necessary criteria for maintaining eligibility for federal grant programs.
DISCUSSION:
Adopting the 2023 Santa Clara County MJHMP, including Sunnyvale’s annex, is vital for continuing the city’s proactive approach to disaster risk reduction. The annex outlines specific strategies to address the city’s most significant hazards, such as earthquakes, dam failures, and emerging concerns like climate change and extreme weather events.
Sunnyvale’s annex details a comprehensive hazard risk assessment, including potential impacts on the community’s vulnerable populations and critical infrastructure. For instance, the city’s risk from earthquakes remains a top concern, with potential losses estimated at up to $8 billion for a 500-year event. Similarly, flooding and dam failure poses significant risks to large portions of the city’s population and infrastructure, necessitating robust mitigation efforts.
Adopting the MJHMP enables Sunnyvale to continue accessing FEMA grants for the hazard mitigation project, which is essential for implementing the strategies outlined in the annex. These projects include seismic retrofitting critical facilities, flood control measures, and public education initiatives to increase community resilience.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Adopting Volume I and Sunnyvale’s annex within Volume II of the 2023 Santa Clara County MJHMP will ensure the City of Sunnyvale’s continued eligibility for FEMA hazard mitigation funding. These funds are crucial for supporting the implementation of long-term mitigation measures, reducing the financial impact of disasters on the city, and protecting public safety.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
The action being considered does not constitute a “project” under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(5). It is considered a governmental organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect environmental changes.
PUBLIC CONTACT:
Public contact was made by posting the Council meeting agenda on the City's official-notice bulletin board at City Hall, at the Sunnyvale Public Library and in the Department of Public Safety Lobby. In addition, the agenda and this report are available at the NOVA Workforce Services reception desk located on the first floor of City Hall at 456 W. Olive Avenue (during normal business hours), and on the City's website.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Adopt by Resolution Volume I and Sunnyvale’s Annex within Volume II of the 2023 Santa Clara County Multijurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Levine Act
LEVINE ACT
The Levine Act (Gov. Code Section 84308) prohibits city officials from participating in certain decisions regarding licenses, permits, and other entitlements for use if the official has received a campaign contribution of more than $500 from a party, participant, or agent of a party or participant in the previous 12 months. The Levine Act is intended to prevent financial influence on decisions that affect specific, identifiable persons or participants. For more information see the Fair Political Practices Commission website: www.fppc.ca.gov/learn/pay-to-play-limits-and-prohibitions.html
An “X” in the checklist below indicates that the action being considered falls under a Levine Act category or exemption:
SUBJECT TO THE LEVINE ACT
___ Land development entitlements
___ Other permit, license, or entitlement for use
___ Contract or franchise
EXEMPT FROM THE LEVINE ACT
___ Competitively bid contract*
___ Labor or personal employment contract
___ Contract under $50,000 or non-fiscal
___ Contract between public agencies
_X_ General policy and legislative actions
* "Competitively bid" means a contract that must be awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder.
Staff
Prepared by: Dzanh K. Le, Captain
Reviewed by: Phan S. Ngo, Director, DPS
Reviewed by: Sarah Johnson-Rios, Assistant City Manager
Approved by: Tim Kirby, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Summary of FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance
2. Santa Clara County Multijurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan, Vol 1
3. Santa Clara County Multijurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan, Vol 2, Planning Partner Annexes (Sunnyvale’s Annex)
4. Resolution of the Sunnyvale City Council Adopting Volume 1 and Sunnyvale’s Annex of Volume II of the 2023 Santa Clara County Multijurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan